Monday, July 30, 2012

Child Support for College

THE CHILD SUPPORT FOR COLLEGE PROGRAM

In the Child Support for College Program, program participants have the opportunity to earn up to $500 in incentives for opening and contributing to a child's college savings account. Besides earning incentives, program participants also actively participate in Foundation Communities' Financial Coaching Program.  More information for clients is available on our web site.

Limited time offer:  Starting August 1, 2012, the first 15 people who open a college savings account through the Child Support for College program get a $25 HEB gift card!

More information for Financial Coaches:

If you are working with a client who receives or is paying child support, feel free to tell them about the Child Support for College Program.  We currently have a dedicated Investment Coach who is helping clients choose and open their college savings accounts (only the Texas Tuition Promise Fund and the Texas College Savings Plan are eligible for the incentive).  Since these types of accounts are regulated, it is very important that the rest of us refrain from giving advice regarding choosing an account or the options within the account.  The client can look through their options on their own and decide, or they can meet with our dedicated Investment Coach to help them decide.  

If a client is interested in participating in the Child Support for College Program, they will:
  • Fill out additional paperwork for the Child Support for College Program (ask the Financial Coaching staff for the forms)
  • Meet with an Investment Coach, who will help the client decide on which of the two qualifying college savings accounts is appropriate for their family
  • Open a college savings account, with the Investment Coach's help, if needed
More details about the program are included on the web page, as well as additional resources for those considering saving for their child's education.

Child Support Contacts

Chris Giangreco from the Attorney General's Office visited the Community Financial Center to give coaches and staff an overview of Texas' Child Support laws. The presentation covered many of the questions that our coaches encounter with their clients, including information about collection and disbursement.  We now have, for clients and coaches alike, a list of hotlines that can explain the rights and procedures concerning child support. These resources can provide the assurance and knowledge needed to take action.

Child Support Program
(800) 252-8014

Access and Visitation Hotline
(866) 292-4636

Family Violence Legal Line
(800) 374-4673

Family Law Hotline
(800) 622-2520

Get Child Support Safely (for families who have experienced family violence)
(800) 799-7233

This list will also be on the bulletin board in the coaching office.

As always, let us know if you have any questions.


No comments:

Post a Comment